need affordable housing options. This community would accommodate these needs and promote the development of strong relationships. The founders of this community have formed a not-for-profit corporation to plan, develop and oversee the community. Family and close friends of the founder have agreed to support this project with their time, resources and expertise. They have recruited people with various professional backgrounds in finance, architecture, real estate and construction to serve as advisors. Currently, they are exploring models and designing elements of this complex. The board members are researching funding options including foundation grants to support the development of this innovative residential concept.
An architect is designing a cluster of small housing units around a common meeting spaces and storefronts. The housing units initially could accommodate 16 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 16 mentors, advocates or
This concept envisions shared living with supportive services for people with varying levels of disabilities
family members. Common areas include active and passive outdoor recreational amenities, gardens, a community room, and fitness and computer equipment. Storefronts adjacent to the housing will accommodate small business development. Employment opportunities will be designed into the plans. Ideas under consideration might include a food establishment, laundry service, childcare center, and a health and wellness center. Members of the housing complex could work within these service enterprises. These businesses would serve the public as well as community members. The plans include collaborating with local community organizations to seek mentors and supporters to this neighborhood. Members of a local civic organizations or religious congregation, for example, might supply friendship and support to people with disabilities and assist them in various ways. These types of natural supports will become a strong component within the supportive housing available. Foundation grants and philanthropy will support the project as well as capital development funds from government sources such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA), local and county affordable housing funds. Planning and development will take a few years to execute the vision of this intentional community.
Existing projects with similarities to this concept are:
Madison House Foundation and Autism Housing Network provide information regarding intentional communities that offer integrated lives for people with disabilities. For more information, go to http://www.madisonhouseautism.org/housing-program/ Visitation Homes is a faith-based intentional community providing homes for people with disabilities in Hamilton, New Jersey. For more information, go to http://www.visitationhome.org/. The L'Arche Community is ecumenical and open to people of all lifestyles in 40 locations internationally. The mission involves people with and without disabilities living communally. For more information, go to http:// www.larcheusa.org
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